Acoustic Neuroma

(Neurilemoma; Vestibular Schwannoma; Acoustic Schwannoma)

Definition

An acoustic neuroma is a tumor that grows on the nerve leading from the brainstem to the ear. This nerve plays a role in hearing and in maintaining your balance. An acoustic neuroma grows slowly. It is a benign tumor, which means it is not cancerous. However, this condition can still cause serious problems.

Treatment

Treatment depends on your age, general health, the size and location of the tumor, and its rate of growth. Treatment may include:

Observation

If the tumor is very small, its growth may be monitored. Sometimes tumors do not grow any more. This is approach is common among people over age 70.

Microsurgical Removal

As the tumor grows and/or hearing becomes impaired, removal of the tumor may be needed. The type of surgery depends on the size and location of the tumor. Complications of surgery may include permanent hearing loss and/or paralysis of facial muscles on the affected side.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy
is the use of radiation to kill cells and shrink tumors. Radiation is expected to prevent further growth of the tumor. Radiation may be used when tumors are small and surgery is not possible. This method may preserve hearing. It may be given over several treatments or as one large dose. You may be treated with a procedure called
stereotactic radiosurgery.
This surgery uses a focused beam of radiation to destroy the tumor tissue.

Prevention

There are no current guidelines for preventing acoustic neuroma because the cause is not usually known.

RESOURCES

Acoustic Neuroma Association
http://www.anausa.org

American Academy of Audiology
http://www.audiology.org

CANADIAN RESOURCES

Canadian Academy of Audiology
http://www.canadianaudiology.ca

The College of Family Physicians of Canada
http://www.cfpc.ca

References

Acoustic neuroma. American Hearing Research Foundation. Available at:
http://american-hearing.org/disorders/acoustic-neuroma. Updated October 2012. Accessed August 8, 2014.

Revision Information

This content is reviewed regularly and is updated when new and relevant evidence is made available. This information is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with questions regarding a medical condition.